Even after that trade, Carolina said it wanted to find another elite forward. But the Hurricanes came up short in their pursuit of free-agent Zach Parise, who signed with Minnesota, then failed to swing a trade for Rick Nash, whom Columbus dealt to the New York Rangers.

So, they wound up signing a winger from a Southeast Division rival who has tormented them over the years. Semin's career totals of 27 goals and 45 points against Carolina are his most against any NHL team.

"Alexander's elite skill level and ability to score from the wing fill an important need on the ice, and we hope that a fresh start in Carolina will serve both Alexander and our team well," general manager Jim Rutherford said.

Semin, 28, ranked second on the Capitals last season with 21 goals, 33 assists and 54 points, then added three more goals and another assist in 14 playoff games.

He spent his entire seven-season NHL career with Washington, is one of 18 NHL players to average at least 30 goals during the last six seasons and leaves the Capitals at No. 5 on their career goal-scoring list.

He had 197 goals, 211 assists, 408 points and 450 penalty minutes in 469 career regular-season games with the Capitals.

In a statement issued by his new team, Semin called the Hurricanes "a great fit for me."

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